FPGAs or field programmable gate arrays are semiconductor devices that allow programming/reprogramming even after the device has been installed. This flexibility makes the devices more expensive compared to regular programmable logic devices (PLDs), so their use is relatively restricted.

SoCs or System on Chips are integrated circuits that incorporate programmable logic, temperature or power sensing and management plus communication functions into a single, low power device.

Microsemi’s SmartFusion2 SoC FPGA is designed for challenging and critical operations in industrial, defense, aviation, communications and medical applications where accurate, reliable and flawless results are vital . Microsemi has developed its next generation SoC FPGA by keeping in mind the requirements of the industry manufacturers - the vital requirements being security, power efficiency and speed at the lowest possible cost for each application.

The SmartFusion2 SoC FPGA can be used in a wide range of applications such as flight data recorders, weapons systems, defibrillators, handheld radios, communications management systems and industrial motor control.

According to a Research and Markets report, the global FPGA market is poised to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.4% from 2011 to 2015 driven by the growing demand for customizable integrated circuits (ICs). Demand for FPGAs are increasing since they allow increased flexibility when creating designs and enable electronic device manufacturing companies to minimize their R&D costs. This can prove to be a long-term growth driver for Microsemi.

Microsemi’s revenue in the third quarter of fiscal 2012 was $259.2 million, up 4.0% sequentially and 19.6% year over year. The communications market was the largest contributor, making up 31.0% of sales. The defense & security market generated 28.0% of sales and aerospace generated 21.0%. The defense, aerospace and medical markets largely use Microsemi’s high-reliability chips, while the other markets use its analog/mixed signal products.